Pumpkin Roll Recipe | Easy Homemade Pumpkin Roll

PUBLISHED November 26, 2025· MODIFIED November 26, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1550 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice wrapped up with a creamy, luscious filling, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Roll Recipe. This classic dessert features a soft and fluffy pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a smooth cream cheese filling. It’s the perfect treat for the fall season, holidays, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pumpkin Recipe

Simple and Stunning. While it looks fancy, this pumpkin roll is surprisingly easy to make. Impress your family and guests with minimal effort.
Perfect Texture. The sponge cake is moist and tender, while the cream cheese filling adds a silky, rich contrast.
Make-Ahead Friendly. This dessert can be prepared a day or two in advance, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.
Flavorful. Packed with pumpkin, warm spices, and sweet cream cheese, every bite is a taste of autumn bliss.
Crowd-Pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

From its moist, tender cake to the swirls of luscious filling, this Pumpkin Roll is a showstopper for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any fall celebration.

What Does A Pumpkin Roll Taste Like?

A pumpkin roll is the ultimate combination of soft, spiced cake and rich, creamy filling. It’s like eating a pumpkin-spice latte in dessert form!

The cake has notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which pair beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling. The result is a balanced, melt-in-your-mouth treat that isn’t overly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Pumpkin Cake

All-Purpose Flour– Gives structure to the cake.
Pumpkin Puree– Not pumpkin pie filling – pure pumpkin for flavor and moisture.
Granulated Sugar– Adds sweetness to balance the spices.
Large Eggs– Creates the fluffy, sponge-like texture.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder– Leavening agents for lightness.
Pumpkin Pie Spice– Warm, classic fall spices.
Vanilla Extract– Enhances flavor.

For The Filling

Cream Cheese– Creates a rich and creamy base.
Unsalted Butter– Adds smoothness.
Powdered Sugar– Sweetens the filling and keeps it light.
Vanilla Extract– Enhances the cream cheese flavor.

Powdered Sugar– For a final dusting (optional, but adds a beautiful finishing touch).

How To Make A Pumpkin Roll

Prepare the Baking Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Grease the parchment lightly with non-stick spray.
Make the Pumpkin Cake. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Bake the Cake. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove the cake from the oven.
Roll the Cake. Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar. While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto the prepared towel. Gently peel away the parchment paper from the cake. Starting at one short end, roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral. Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Pumpkin Roll. Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently roll the cake back up (without the towel) into a spiral. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve and Enjoy. Before serving, dust the pumpkin roll with powdered sugar. Slice into 1-inch pieces.

Tips And Tricks

Here are the top tips and tricks for making the perfect Pumpkin Roll. Follow these to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your roll is beautifully swirled, moist, and crack-free every time:

Roll While Warm. Always roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracking. The towel keeps it flexible and helps it retain its shape.
Generous Dusting. Use plenty of powdered sugar on the towel to prevent sticking. This ensures a smooth, easy roll.
Don’t Overbake. A soft, moist cake is key. Overbaking will make it dry and prone to cracking.
Room-Temperature Filling. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations for a Pumpkin Roll to suit every flavor preference or special occasion:

Add Nuts– Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts onto the cream cheese filling before rolling for added crunch.
Chocolate Twist– Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate cream cheese filling.
Maple Flavor– Replace the vanilla extract in the filling with maple extract for a cozy maple twist.
Caramel Drizzle– Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving for a decadent finish.

What To Enjoy With A Pumpkin Roll

A Pumpkin Roll is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with complementary flavors can elevate the experience. Here are some delicious ideas for what to enjoy with it:

Coffee or Espresso– The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet cream cheese filling.
Hot Chocolate– A cozy drink perfect for a holiday dessert table.
Whipped Cream– Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
Fresh Berries– Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and tangy flavor.

How Long Does It Last?

A Pumpkin Roll is a versatile dessert that stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for holiday preparations or casual gatherings.

When properly stored in the refrigerator, a pumpkin roll can last for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, you can freeze a pumpkin roll for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the roll in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.

When you’re ready to serve, allow the pumpkin roll to thaw in the refrigerator overnight to prevent the filling from becoming runny.

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